Zimbabwe's police don't think Makoni is worth protecting - and they've told him so
Simba Makoni, controversial candidate for the Presidency and the man on whom so many are pinning their hopes in Zimbabwe, has had his request for routine protection turned down by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)
Makoni applied for protection for himself, his family, and his close associates - a normal and, in the circumstances, advisable step - this week. He received an immediate reply from Deputy Commissioner Innocent Matibiri, who runs the VIP Protection Unit.
I was shown the letter, dated February 19, yesterday. In it, Matibiri is blunt, to say the least. "Please be advised accordingly Dr. Makoni that police protection is only awarded to individuals with VIP status. Regrettably you do not hold such status." This is an extraordinary statement to make to someone who's in a two-horse race for the Presidency, and Matibiri then continues with a remark that is frankly chilling.
He says that as Makoni has yet to be confronted with any violence, he will remain under the "general protection of the police as with other Zimbabweans." Those of us who also enjoy this "general protection" will know exactly how much that's worth. We have the bruises to remind us.
Makoni has good reason to fear for his safety, and that of his family. As I revealed recently, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) is gearing up its surveillance and harassment operations for the run-up to the election, and Makonis is now a specific target.
My CIO source told me that a total of 61 operatives have been asigned to watch his every move, at his Mandara residence, his workplace in Graniteside, and his party offices in Belgravia.
Additionally, Dr. Ibbo Mandaza, believed to be his chief adviser, has been assigned 12 operatives, and retired major Kudzai Mbudzi, another key member of the Makoni team, is being watched by four.
Meanwhile, as the plotting and scheming develops, the war of abuse has also begun. Our venerated President appeared on television in person on Thursday night, and described his opponent, Makoni, as a "political prostitute."
That's what this election needs - the scintillating cut and thrust of intellectual debate.
why do you say its a two-horse race?i can understand you are excited but at least get your facts right.
Posted by: Ndini | Friday, 22 February 2008 at 20:23
Firstly it's a four-horse race, don't go assuming the others are just runners. Besides, it is an error on point of fact.
Secondly whay does Makoni want to be protcted by a force he knows is not impartial? Doesn't he know they can as well watch while the militia beat him up?
Thirdly, this doesn't make sense that the CIO post 61 people on him but the ZRP won't send bodyguards. Surely if the CIO is a clandestine organisation what better way to keep tabs on him than by posting agents under cover as police officers.
Can someone do a feature story on these CIO agents. We need to know what kind of person joins Mugabe's personal militia. Are they all his relatives? Do they get paid in forex? Are they been fed blood? Do they get farms?
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